If only for a day, Michael Cox was the first-string Giants running back at practice.

David Wilson was in Los Angeles on Monday, getting a second opinion on a neck injury that is feared to be spinal stenosis and could end his season.

Backup Da’Rel Scott suffered a hamstring injury in last Thursday’s loss to the Bears — an injury that could keep him out for several weeks.

Andre Brown is progressing in his recovery from a broken leg he suffered in the final preseason game, but is on short-term injured reserve and thus not eligible to return until the Week 10 game against the Raiders.

And Brandon Jacobs, who turned back the clock with 106 yards and two touchdowns last Thursday, sat out of Monday’s practice. Giants coach Tom Coughlin said it was a precautionary measure to get extra rest for Jacobs’ knee, as the team is not practicing Tuesday or Wednesday. Jacobs is expected to practice Thursday and play next Monday against the Vikings.

Next up on the depth chart is rookie running back Michael Cox — the team’s seventh-round draft pick from UMass. Cox’s on-field impact has yet to record a rushing attempt, and he’s returned two kickoffs for 39 yards.

With the team’s backfield in dire straits, Cox could see action in the backfield against Minnesota.

“It was a little strange being the only one out there,” he said after Monday’s practice. “But it went [well], though. The [coaches] said I’ll be playing, so I’m getting ready like I do every week, getting ready to play.”

Cox feels he can provide a complement to the bruising running style of Jacobs.

“I’m an all-around type of back,” he said. “I can catch out of the backfield, run, pass protect. Hopefully I can help the team.”

Coughlin said Cox could be in line for playing time soon, but cautioned there are some things he still needs to work on.

“He has a lot going [for him],” Coughlin said. “There are some things that I think right now, we feel good about, other things, not so [good]. We’re working on the ‘not-so’s.’ Especially in the [pass] protection area, so you have to be careful.”

Cox said it’s been tough to watch the Giants get off to such a slow start, and wants to make an impact when his number is called.

“Hopefully I can go in there and give the team a spark,” he said. “I feel I am ready to do that and help the team out. If I get my chance, I’ll be able to show people.”

What's Your Take?

Giants need a good news story, and Cox could be it. He has skills, is strong, and disciplined... what he doesn't have is good blockers. They're at the bottom of the league in rushing yards per game, and that's not because they don't want to run. They're 32% in 3rd down conversions... oh, they want to run all right. But the blocking's getting a bit better (can't get much worse) thanks to some O-line stability (now that the old guard walking wounded are out), and signing a good FB who's not a TE by trade. If Donnell or Robinson would perfect their receiving skills, either would be a blocking improvement over Myers. Blocking... want Cox to be a good news story? Block.